Nick Smith is currently a Ph.D. aspirant in the Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin. He received an M.S. in Biological Sciences from Marshall University in 2007 where his research focused on developing a laser scanning/modeling technique applicable to micromammalian dentition. Using this novel technique to acquire 3D morphometric data, he also quantified and examined diagnostic dental characters of early Eocene marsupials. His current research interests include the functional beak morphology of living and fossil turtles and dietary reconstruction of fossil turtle taxa. In his research, Nick is incorporating 3D data from CT scanners (both industrial and medical) and 3D laser scanners. He is also interested in the broader implications of climate change on ecological and dietary preferences in turtles.